The Nike Lunar Eclipse 3 is the third tangible interpretation of Nike fusing feedback with innovative technology to fuel results. Runners craved a shoe that would provide the much needed and sought after support, stability, cushion, as well as comfort and Nike attempted to satisfy the urge with this third installment of the Lunar Eclipse series. The brand is beginning to look like they are producing thoroughly bred perfection with every subsequent release in this series.

The shoe is a symphony of sorts, every part having a purpose to serve the user more efficiently this time around. In this version, we say so long to the Dynamic Fit System that was reminiscent of a glove, interlocking the midsection of your foot, keeping everything anchored inside during your run in the Nike Lunar Eclipse 2. The shoe welcomes you once again to a familiar face, Nike Flywire, for the lace locking system, leaving the initial disappointment at the door associated with the lack of structural integrity of the first version of the Lunar Eclipse. So has Nike hit the nail on the head with stage 3 of their Lunar Eclipse? Read on.

Editor's Pros & Cons

Pros

Superior soft cushioning provided in the inner workings of the shoe.

Stability has been a status quo set for this series of shoes.

The problems associated with overpronation are mitigated thanks to Nike's technological support built into the design of the shoe.

Cons

Although comfortable inside the shoe the real estate of the toe and heel area leans towards being constricted or confined.

The foam deteriorates over time

Has the effect of being too well padded for runners without overpronation

Outsole

Outsole

The outsole of the Nike Lunar Eclipse 3 is a wonderful ode to the technology Nike has developed. Back for a return is the successful Blue Ribbon Sports 1000 rubberized outsole. The BRS 1000 played a huge role for grip and impact reduction during runs on the Nike Lunar Eclipse 2 and once again has a highlighted role in the overall efficiency of the outsole.

The forefront of the outsole is waffled with the same Nike Lunarlon foam drop from the previous model. The grip on the forefront of the outsole hasn't wavered its solid stance on the superior grip. As you move along to the rear outsole, you will find the BRS 1000 placed strategically in segments to fight overpronation. The mixture of materials used in the outsole once again team up to create a very substantial and durable outsole.

Midsole

Midsole

When it comes to the midsole on the Nike Lunar Eclipse 3, Lunarlon is the leading star of the show. The Lunarlon midsole is carefully nestled between a denser foam in addition to being layered with Phylon. The aggregation of these materials creates the Dynamic Support System that can be found clearly labeled on the heel of the shoe.

The Dynamic Support System was designed to help "heel-heavy" strikers that suffer from overpronation when they run. A well-padded heel region coupled with a Nike Lunarlon midsole will produce a very comfortable finished product, and that's exactly what the Nike Lunar Eclipse 3 is.

Upper

Upper

Back again is our friend Flywire for this iteration of the Nike lunar eclipse, but this time it's an improved, evolved and efficient Flywire. The difference for users of the past model is obviously noticeable. The midsection of the entire Nike Lunar Eclipse 2 had a dedicated Dynamic Fit System that was composed of an interlocking material that gripped the foot and provided the support needed to hold the user's foot in place when running. Nike decided to fix the Flywire system for the Lunar Eclipse 3 in an effort to shave off ounces from the shoe and become a more efficient overall support system.

Weight

Weight

The Lunar Eclipse 3 is a top-tier contender in the lightweight class category. This shoe maxes out at the weight of 11 ounces. If this shoe were to follow the path of other shoes that seek to solve overpronation, it would be bulky, heavy, and nowhere as near as agile and nimble as this shoe proves to be.

Breathability

Breathability

The perforations incorporated into the mesh material not only add an eye-catching aesthetic element but also provides a functional breathable aspect to the shoe. The majority of the shoe is wrapped in a mesh upper providing flexibility, comfort, and breathability to your entire foot.Overheated feet will cut your run short, but the circulatory cut-outs on the Nike Lunar 3 open up the opportunity for proper ventilation.

Comfort

Comfort

With the two prior installments of the Nike Lunar Eclipse line, both have successfully solidified being a shoe synonymous with descriptions like comfort and stability when they are brought up in conversation. The Nike Lunar Eclipse 3 follows closely in their footsteps being an extremely comfortable running shoe thanks to the Nike Lunarlon midsole and other features present in the shoe like Fitsole 4 insole.

Fitsole 4 is an inner sole that does more than just provide comfort for a runner's foot. The Fitsole inner insole inserts cradles and conforms to a users foot, giving everything a custom feel and comfortable fit.

Style

Style

Nike has taken a proactive approach to slim down the Nike Lunar Eclipse. This effort on Nike's behalf has proven to not only provide a lightweight shoe but a shoe that walks a very stylish line. Aerodynamic cues and perforated hits make the streamlined successor to the Lunar Eclipse 2 a very nice shoe to look at.

Durability

Durability

This shoe has made leaps and bounds when it comes to improvement, but the foam is where this shoe fails. Lunarlon is an excellent foam material that paved the way for such an amazing shoe to make its way into existence, but in the same breath, foam possesses the ability to deteriorate in a manner over time that challenges durable integrity. The outsole holds up well, as well as the rest of the shoe, the only complaint would be the constant compression of the midsole eventually giving in to time and wear.

Protection

Protection

When you discuss protection and running shoes, you have to be realistic. These shoes are not tanks built to withstand all oppressive forces you may find out on your run. The protection available on these shoes are very minimal.

The TPU toe cap available on the Lunar Eclipse 2 is absent from the third model. The outward protection may be a deal-breaker for some, but it's what's on the inside that counts. The inner workings of this shoe were meant to keep your foot safe from your overpronating style of running, and it does an amazing job at safeguarding your foot as you roll when you run.

Responsiveness

Responsiveness

The shoe is very responsive initially right out of the box. The technology and support really kick in when it's needed. The Lunarlon midsole will really give you the most response from the heel area where the Dynamic Support System is located. Every time your foot hits the ground, this sneaker will be interacting with it to provide the best response it can offer to keep your foot on the track.

Support

Support

The Dynamic Support System is branded on the sneaker to let users know this sneaker has your feet covered. The heel clip toward the rear of the shoe keeps your foot supported and stable with every step. The heel portion of the shoe is where you will be receiving the majority of the support needed for your foot.

The chain of support starts with the Fitsole 4 inner sole. The Fitsole 4 has deep cupping at the heel that provides cradling for support.

The Dynamic Support System located in the heel with the blended foam materials is guiding your foot properly as it contacts the ground. The segmented outsole proves to be the finishing touch to the entire Support System located in the heel, allowing the absorption of the initial contact during every footfall.

Terrain

Terrain

The Nike Lunar 3 is definitely a road runner with no worries of Wile E. Coyote in sight. Feel free to go for a run on the pavement and not have the worry of terrain impact slowing you down. An excellent outsole composed of Blue Ribbon Sports 1000 rubberized material with providing the necessary grip, while the Nike Lunarlon midsole drop to the outsole, as seen on the Nike Lunar Eclipse 2, will give you great traction on numerous amounts of terrain.

Price

Price

This shoe possesses the ability to not be uber expensive which would be at the $200 range that most competitive sneakers in their class are. While still not being a bottom of the barrel priced bargain, this shoe falls into the classification of being moderately priced at a $135 retail price tag. What you do receive is great value on your return on investment if you're a runner with overpronation.

Traction

Traction

These shoes provide a grip well enough to ensure your foot doesn't slip on numerous terrains.

Dual foam on the outsole allows for maximum traction when transversing surfaces from dry to slippery. Dense foam located on the outer midsole provides a mount for a softer, more comfortable Lunarlon foam extended from the midsole to be exposed in the forefront area of the outsole. The combination of these foams in addition to the BRS 1000 located in the hind region of the outsole will provide the user with excellent traction.

Flexibility

Flexibility

Mesh is an amazing material to construct a running shoe from due to its inherent property of flexibility and free movement, especially when the focus is crafting an outstandingly stable, but flexible upper. No runner ever wants to be constrained to the confines of a limited upper, the Nike Lunar Eclipse 3 will set your feet free but still remain instrumentally supportive throughout your entire run.

Stability

Stability

This shoe is marketed towards the casual daily runner, and often newer runners need shoes that provide stability for the stress on muscles and joints that more experienced runners are accustomed to. The stiffness of the dense foam inside the Nike Lunar Eclipse 3 midsole promises and delivers maximum stability.

The formula Nike uses to provide a great amount of stability with the Lunar Eclipse 3 is a stiffer back region of the shoe and a flexible front portion. This formulated structure provides stability for your foot while maintaining properties of being flexible and lightweight.

Drop

Drop

The drop for the Nike Lunar Eclipse 3 has shaved off a few millimeters in height compared to the Nike Lunar Escape 2 bringing the drop in at almost 4 mm. The previous model had a very high drop of 15 mm, while the Lunar Eclipse 3 comes in a moderate 11.2 mm, which is a very suitable drop for a running shoe.

Key Features of the Nike Lunar Eclipse 3

Key Features of the Nike Lunar Eclipse 3

Nike Plus Insert Option Available

Blue Ribbon Sports Rubberized Outsole

Evolved and Upgraded Flywire Lace-locking System

Dynamic Support System located in the Heel of the Shoe

Bottom line

Bottom line

The Nike Lunar Eclipse 3 is a shoe that, although similar to its predecessor, refuses to be a follower. The Nike Lunar Eclipse 2 carved a lane that solidified itself as top-notch stability running shoe option, but this shoe boldly steps out of that shadow with the premise of being an overall better shoe. This Lunar Eclipse line of the shoe is screaming heritage at the top of its lungs, with enough open-mindedness to experiment with what works, and what doesn't.

The Nike Lunar Eclipse 3 is an aggressively progressive shoe willing to go the extra mile to give you stability, comfort, and cushioning all packaged in a smooth ride with a check on the side. So the question is, are you willing to go the extra mile in them? The answer is yes if you wish to enjoy a shoe that will care for your feet in the long run. The answer is definitely yes if you wish to own a shoe that is competent and completely free of any stereotypes associated with shoes marketed towards overpronators.